Introduction to the Days Inn at Cocoa Beach

Location

The Days Inn is one of 4 hotels within walking distance of the famous Cocoa Beach Pier and beaches. The location is wonderful within walking distance of the famous Cocoa Beach Pier, several restaurants, bars, grocery stores and liquor stores.

Salsas Mexican – there are many Mexican restaurant in the area and this one has nice décor with a comfortable bar. Good food and affordable drinks.

Near A1A:

Cocoa Beach Ale House – the bar is fine with a good selection of drinks but the restaurant is hit or miss. Despite the traffic the outside seating area is nice on a pleasant day.

At Cocoa Beach Pier you have a choice of several eateries. Let’s be honest, the area is touristy and the food is typical of touristy areas along the Florida coast but the setting is worth the extra costs for sometimes average food! Watching local surfers play in the waves below while you sip a cocktail is priceless! Nothing will put your mind in cruise mood faster than that!

Pier Points To Ponder:

There is a$2 charge (free when you have a drink receipt) to walk out on the pier beyond the restaurants. When paying you get a $2 discount token to be used when ordering drinks at the tiki bar!

You can rent beach chairs, toys and umbrellas from 3 places around the pier. The stall on the north side (in front of La Quinta) is the cheapest!

You can rent bikes from Trader Ricks but there are cheaper places that deliver to your hotel (please read our bike rental page)

The pier has 3 small shops for beach wear and beach-related items. For a larger selection, you can visit Beachwave just south of the Holiday Inn on A1A

If you have a vehicle it is best to park at the hotel and walk or pay $10 -$20 per day until 4pm (cost varies)

If you want to travel to other parts of Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral, Uber is available and recommended. You can also use the local SCAT bus with stops nearby (please read our SCAT Bus page).

Cocoa Beach Pier Hotels (click to enlarge)

Port Shuttle – Yes

Included in Park, Shuttle and Cruise packages for all registered room guests. Departure times are 9:30am, 10:30am and 11:30am on weekends and 10:30am and 11:30am during the work week. Extra persons cost $7 per trip.

ON-Site Cruise Parking – Yes

Hotel parking included in Park, Shuttle and Cruise packages. Free during hotel stays. Note, long-term parking is 3 blocks to the north next to A1A in an unsecured lot.

Restaurants and Bars

None onsite except for the usual continental-style breakfast near the lobby. There are several very good restaurants and bars nearby.

The Ale House is a popular sports bar and restaurant behind the lobby. Across the street near Publix is Coasters Taphouse – one of the most popular restaurant/bars in Cocoa Beach with great food and many beers and wine on tap! A few doors down is Flavors of India with authentic Indian cuisine – very good food!

Just a block to the east is the famous Cocoa Beach Pier with several restaurants/bars and always busy with both locals and visitors!

For takeout meals, Kim Bo Chinese Is recommended.

Rooms

Rooms are available in 3 buildings.

The rooms with the best views are located on the 2nd floor of the building facing the Cocoa Beach Pier! Those are room numbers 238 – 251.

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Bicycle Rentals at Port Canaveral – A Shore Trip guide

Whether you are arriving by ship for a day visit to Port Canaveral, or spending a night in the area before or after your cruise, bicycle rental is an excellent way to explore the area.

Several, if not all, the rental companies will deliver bikes to your location (hotels & cruise terminals 1 or 3 in particular) but it is best to arrange this before your cruise.

Bike Rentals – fat wheels on Cocoa Beach (click to enlarge)

Here is what you need to know about bicycle rentals!

IMPORTANT – watch our map LIVE while pedaling to establish your position. Just open your phone browser and go to our Bicycle Map

Island Watercraft Bikes (click to enlarge)

Bicycle Rental Map of Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach

These two areas are very bicycle friendly and streets have either designated bike lanes or dual-purpose sidewalks. Locals use mostly the sidewalks for safety reasons and you can do the same – just remember pedestrians have right-of-way!

We cover three loop routes that are very popular with cruisers and visitors as well as a all-encompassing one-way route :

Port Canaveral to Cocoa Beach Pier – 16 mile loop. At least 2.5 hours in the saddle. Highlights include the popular hotels near the Port, the Canaveral Lock, Exploration Tower, Cove Restaurant area, Jetty Park with its long pier, local dive bars, the long white beach and the Cocoa Beach Pier

Cocoa Beach Pier to Ron Jon Surf Shop – 2.75 miles loop. A short loop for those with time constraints. It can easily be combined with the other two loops if time allows. Highlights include the Cocoa Beach Pier, the Ron Jon Surf Shop, local beach bars, the Banana River (for boat tours) and the Dinosaur Shop

The Barmuda Triangle near Coconuts-on-the-Beach – 5.6 miles loop. Highlights include various coffee shops, shops, dive bars and beach bars including the popular Coconuts on the Beach.

One-way from Port Canaveral to Coconuts on the Beach – Highlights include all of the above but you can do and see more in less time. Your rental company will deliver your bikes to the Port area and pick them up at Coconuts when you are done.

Rental Bikes – Matt’s cruising bikes (click to enlarge)

About beach riding. The local beach is seemingly endless and perfect for cycling. However, it is best during low tide when the sand is firm and damp! At high tide you will battle soft sand and this can be exhausting. Fortunately, you can access the beach from almost any beach road! We recommend you try short sections of the beach to see if you are OK with the conditions. If not, return to the paved sidewalks!

Cruising bikes on Cocoa Beach (click to enlarge)

The Jetty Park Beach area is great for beach riding. The 1.2 mile stretch of beach between Jetty Park and Cherie Down Park is perhaps the best for beginners. Elsewhere the beach gets steeper and softer and the crowds are larger making the ride somewhat more challenging.

NOTE – We do not provide a comprehensive restaurant list on the map. Most of the bars listed are actually restaurants (Grills for example) but we assume that cruise ship visitors will eat on their ships and not sit down for major meals while on shore trips. While biking it is often more convenient and faster to eat bar food or order take-outs from fast-food places to eat on the beach or in parks with beach views. We list all the restaurants in a different section of this web site!

Bicycle Rental Companies

You will find several white-colored bikes at special rental stations in the area. To rent these, you need to join the national company Zagster by installing an App on your phone and booking online. Hourly rates are $3 with discounts for monthly and annual plans if you travel nation-wide while using the App.

Zagster Bike Rentals (click to enlarge)

The companies mentioned below are well-established with good reviews online. We see their bikes on the streets all the time and you will be in good hands when renting from any of them.

If you plan to spend the day at the beach, you can also rent bikes from several beach rental kiosks such as Island Watercraft. A few local hotels partner with rental companies and will also have bikes on-site.

On average expect to pay between $10 and $20 per day (meaning from open to close)

Rental Bikes – Ron Jon (click to enlarge)

Most people rent “Beach Cruisers“, allowing them to ride on the beach or street. These have simple (or single) gear systems and wider tires for soft sand riding. Many come with baskets or racks to hold your stuff.

Various kinds of bikes are available from electric bikes to fat wheels and tandems! Just ask when you call!

TIP – The established rental companies have the largest inventory of rental bikes and their rates tend to be the lowest. Cocoa Beach Rentals, Ron Jon and Matt’s are very competitively priced with A1A Beach Rentals and Cocoa Beach Surf Company slightly more expensive.

Safety while Cycling

Despite the popularity of cycling in the area with bike lanes and sidewalks, one still has to be careful for several reasons.

Being on the beach, our area gets a steady influx of visitors who are not used to sharing the roads with cyclists. They tend to turn without looking at the sidewalks, bike lanes or even the crossing lights. Pedestrians are not expecting cyclists either and may suddenly step in front of you.

Many visitors driving rental cars are from overseas and not used to driving on the “wrong” side of the roads! These drivers are often lost and not aware of pedestrians and cyclists.

Drunk driving is a constant problem but fortunately most offenses happen at night.

These are also retirement communities and our older drivers have a reputation for doing the unexpected at times!

We feel safer when cycling on the sidewalks while facing the oncoming road traffic. At first this may sound not right but this way we can see the intentions of the vehicles coming towards us as opposed to looking back at every intersection to see if someone is going to turn right (without looking) and hit us in the crossing.

Rental Bikes – CBSC (click to enlarge)

Most local cruising cyclists do not wear helmets because they pedal at low speed on the sidewalks or on the beach and not in traffic. A helmet is ALWAYS recommended and provided by the rental companies but the ultimate decision is yours.

Our best advice is:

Pedal slow

During the day, ride facing the oncoming traffic (while on the sidewalks)

Expect that you are not seen by motorists, so look around and stay vigilant

Be respectful to pedestrians and do not startle them. Gently call out that you will pass them to the left or right.

Ride on the sidewalks along the busy A1A and not in the road. Choose either the sidewalks or bike lanes along other streets.

Drinking and cycling do not match. While we recommend you visit a few of our favorite bars during your ride, please drink moderately and rehydrate with water and/or sports drinks.

Wear a hat, sun glasses and sun protection. Even in winter our area gets hot and humid. Be prepared to sweat and a sweatband is recommended to protect your eyes.

Insects can be a problem. Some are the biting kind (mosquitoes and no-see-ums) and you should spray your legs with repellent. We also have tiny black swarming flies that usually appear after rain spells. These do not bite but riding into a swarm is very annoying. They cover your hair, nostrils, eyes, mouth and clothes. We recommend you bring a bandanna to cover your mouth and nose in case you encounter a swarm.

Rental Bikes – A1A Rentals (click to enlarge)

Bike Tours

In this section we will cover popular bike tours – marked in green on the MAP (just click on the trail and icons for more information). Each tour is discussed in sections to help you plan your day.

You can combine the individual circuits and tours into custom trips based on your fitness level and available time.

Section A – Port Canaveral Cove Loop – 1.3 miles

This tour starts and stops at the Exploration Tower at Port Canaveral. You will spend about 12 minutes in the saddle.

This short section is more about visiting the Exploration Tower than riding but if you have not seen the Cove area at the Port it is great fun to bike near the restaurants you read so much about on cruise forums!

Simply use the sidewalks to make your way over to the Cove just a short distance from the Tower.

Highlights:

Exploration Tower with its viewing deck on the 6th floor. Every floor is educational with different themes. Highly recommended.

Finally, make a right turn next to cruise terminal one and return to the Exploration Tower.

Section B – Port Canaveral Lock Loop – 4.2 miles

This tour starts and stops at the Exploration Tower at Port Canaveral. You will spend about 35 minutes in the saddle.

Cycling west, stay on the wide bike path along the fence past National Car Rental until you reach the Draw Bridge. Then ride on the road to the lock and back. Once past the bridge turn left on Scallop Dr and follow it back to the Exploration Tower.

This tour starts at the Exploration Tower at Port Canaveral. You will spend about 35 minutes in the saddle (one-way).

The route takes you west along George King Blvd on a wide bike path. To save time, you may choose to ride straight to Jetty Park but we enjoy the short detour to Freddie Patrick Park where you can watch the local fishermen launch their boats.

Highlights:

Boat launch at Freddie Patrick Park – multiple launch ramps can be entertaining on busy fishing days! It is fun to talk to the fishermen about their catch.

Fishing pier at Jetty Park – a scenic 1,200ft long pier that takes you out to the entrance of the Port. It is a great place to watch the cruise ships sail by.

Beach at Jetty Park – a wide and very popular beach with a life guard station, beach rentals and a cafe (operated by Fishlips Restaurant).

At this point you have decisions to make!

You can return to the Exploration Tower if you are short on time.

Do you want to ride south along the beach or do you prefer pavement? It will be 3 miles down to Cocoa Beach Pier if you stay on the beach and 4.6 miles if you ride on pavement. We suggest you take the bike down to the beach and study the wind and tide.

Please note – due to private beach property restrictions you have to ride south for about 1 mile before you can exit the beach and return to the road between Surf Dr and Sailfish Ave. So please be very sure of your abilities before attempting a beach ride!

Section D – Jetty Park to Cherie Down Park (One Way) – 2.8 miles

This tour starts at Jetty Park and ends at the beach at Cherie Down Park. You will spend about 21 minutes in the saddle.

The ride south through Cape Canaveral neighborhoods on nice bike paths gives you a glimpse of a typical Florida beach-side community.

Cherie Down Park is a popular local beach with restrooms. From here the beach riding south gets narrower with softer sand unless low tide. As a result we do suggest you exit here if you were riding down on the beach from Jetty Park.

Location

At the southern end of Cocoa Beach in a small cluster of hotels (together with International Palms and La Quinta). It is about 6.5 miles from the Port and an uberXL will cost roughly $21 (uberX is about $15).

Ocean Landings Resort Map

Gregory’s is an old-fashioned Cocoa Beach institution and a fine place to eat (pricey) with a very popular comedy show upstairs (Thu – Sat). You can also walk next door to Mambo’s at International Palms for live music and typical beach cuisine or cross the busy A1A to Siam Orchid for Thai food. JT’s Social Bar is very popular with locals thanks to very affordable drink prices!

Port Shuttles – Yes, via a 3rd party

Onsite Parking – No

Restaurants and Bars

Livie’s Lounge in the main building offers drinks and food. You can also enjoy drinks at the small pool bar.

Rooms

The D and C buildings are oceanfront.

Ocean Landings Resort Map (click to enlarge)

The Resort offers six types of rooms:

The Caribbean Bldg has One-Bedroom Oceanfront suites that can sleep 4. The top floors 501 to 508 have the best views followed by the 4th floor (401 to 408) and 3rd floor (301 to 308). Rooms 301 to 308 also have ocean views as long as the vegetation in front does not obscure the views! You get a private balcony, two bathrooms, a kitchen with seating counter, a king bed in the bedroom and a queen sleeper couch in the living room.

The Dream Bldg has One-Bedroom Oceanfront suites that can sleep 4 (similar to those in the Caribbean Bldg). Best views are 511 to 520, then 411 to 420 and 311 to 320.

The Dream Bldg also offers ten Two-Bedroom Oceanfront suites that can sleep 6. Best views are 509, 510, 409, 410, 309 and 310. You get a private balcony, two bathrooms, a kitchen with seating counter, a king bed in one bedroom, a queen bed in the second bedroom and a queen sleeper couch in the living room.

The Atlantic Bldg has three Two-Bedroom suites that can sleep 8. 136 is on the ground floor and 236 and 237 are on the top floor. You get a private balcony, two bathrooms, a kitchen with seating counter, a king bed in one bedroom, two queen beds in the second bedroom and a queen sleeper couch in the living room.

Various One-Bedroom suites are scattered across the Resort. These sleep 6. You get two bathrooms, a kitchen and table, two queen beds in the bedroom and a queen sleeper couch in the living room.

Various Executive Studio rooms are scattered across the Resort. These sleep 4. You get a bathroom, coffee maker, microwave and fridge, a small table, a queen bed and a queen sleeper couch.

Most standard Hotel rooms are in the AA Building but a few are located elsewhere. These sleep 4. You get a bathroom, coffee maker and fridge, a small table and two queen beds.

Ocean Landings Beach (click to enlarge)Ocean Landings AA Building – mostly standard hotel rooms (click to enlarge)Ocean Landings -Atlantic Building Rooms (click to enlarge)Ocean Landings Resort – Dream Building on the left and Caribbean Building on the right

Pool Area

The Resort has two pools with the Terrace Pool slightly larger than the Gangplank Pool. The Terrace Pool is where resort activities are held such as water aerobics. The Gangplank Pool has a small bar area.

Introduction to the International Palms Resort in Cocoa Beach, August 2019

Location

The International Palms Resort is an oceanfront property at the southern end of Cocoa Beach meaning it is about 7 miles from the cruise terminals.

International Palms Map

The area is somewhat isolated.

Across the busy A1A, Siam Orchid is a very good Thai restaurant and JT Social Bar is popular with locals thanks to good prices and a lively atmosphere. Just a block away to the south, Gregory’s is a old-fashioned stylish (pricey) restaurant with solid food reviews and recommended if you want a date night!

Port Shuttle – Yes

Included in Snooze and Cruise packages for all registered room guests. Departure time is 11am. Extra persons are $10 per one-way trip.

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Introduction to Econo Lodge Cocoa Beach

If you are interested in the Econo Lodge Cocoa Beach, check rates, view our own maps, pictures and videos, enjoy our own unbiased comments and read Tripadvisor reviews. It is a budget hotel in a safe area.

Location

The Econo Lodge is 6.2 miles from the cruise terminals in a quiet area of Cocoa Beach. As can be seen from the image below, the beach is 3 blocks to the east across the busy A1A.

There are no restaurants or bars in the immediate vicinity but if you walk 4 block to the south, there is a Publix grocery store, an excellent restaurant (Florida’s Fresh Grill) and an Irish Pub (Paddy Casssidy’s).

Econo Lodge Location (click to enlarge)

Port Shuttle – Yes

Included in Park, Stay and Go packages for all registered room guests. Departure time is 11am but depends on bookings.

Onsite Parking – Yes

Hotel parking included in Park, Stay and Go packages. There is limited parking available so book early!

Restaurants and Bars

No, but guests get free vouchers for breakfast at Sunrise Diner – exactly a mile away by car!

Pool

A good-sized pool is in the front of the hotel.

Econo Lodge – Pool (click to enlarge)

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Introduction to Motel 6 Cocoa Beach

(Currently Closed – January 2020)

Motel 6 is a budget hotel in Cocoa Beach just a block or so from the beach in a good location. To keep rates low, the idea is that you pay extra for things you may not need such as breakfast, coffeemaker, wifi, microwave and fridge.

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Introduction to Doubletree Cocoa Beach Oceanfront

The Doubletree by Hilton is a beachfront hotel in Cocoa Beach. With plenty of parking, ocean view or partial ocean view rooms, an on-site restaurant and a nice pool, it is a popular hotel with cruisers who enjoy the beach as well as the perks offered by the Hilton Hotel group at lower rates than the nearby Hilton hotel.

Location

The Doubletree Cocoa Beach is an oceanfront property only 6 miles from the cruise terminals. The beach is just steps away! Expect to pay about $32 per day for 2 beach chairs and an umbrella.

As shown on the map below, the hotel is located in a quiet area of Cocoa Beach but there is a Publix grocery store across the road (sells wine and beer). The strip mall is also home to one of the area’s best restaurants – Florida’s Fresh Grill – as well as an Irish Pub – Paddy Cassidy’s (no food). Please call ahead to avoid disappointment at the Grill because it is very popular. The friendly Irish Pub offers pool and darts with occasional live music but is somewhat dark inside.

Doubletree Cocoa Beach Location (click to enlarge)

Port Shuttles – Yes

Included in Park, Stay and Go packages for all registered room guests. Departure times are 10am, 11am, noon. Extra persons are $8 per one-way trip. Shuttle services are provided by Cocoa Beach Shuttle.

Doubletree – Port Shuttle

Onsite parking – Yes

Hotel parking included in Park, Stay and Go packages for up to 7 nights. Otherwise $8 a night.

Restaurants and Bars

Yes!

The 3 Wishes Restaurant and Lounge is popular even with locals who stop in often to enjoy the bucket drinks and brick-oven pizza!

Doubletree – 3 Wishes Restaurant & Lounge (click to enlarge)

Rooms

Most of the rooms afford some ocean views but the ones nearest to the beach on the higher floors are clearly the best.

Doubletree – Rooms (click to enlarge)

Pool

While the heated pool itself is rather small with little privacy, the area takes up most of the space between the hotel and the beach and is actually very inviting.

Introduction to the Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach

Location

As you can see in the aerial photo below, the Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach (highlighted in blue) is located a short distance from the ocean (it is not an ocean-front property) but most of the rooms have views of the ocean.

While the area is very safe to walk, there is not much nearby. The closest best restaurant is Brano’s a few blocks to the north. Near Brano’s are fast food restaurants Taco Bell, Long John Silvers and a Waffle House.

If you want to walk about 8 blocks to the north (passing Brano’s on your left) you will find more restaurants, hotels, mini-golf and the famous Ron Jon Surf Shop.

Hampton Inn Location (click to enlarge)

To reach the beach you have to walk to the pool area and then down a path for only 0.1 miles (marked in green in the photo above). You can rent an umbrella and two chairs for about $32 per day.

Hampton Inn – Path to the BeachHampton Inn – Path to the BeachHampton Inn – Path from the Beach

Port Shuttle – Yes

Included in Park and Cruise Packages for all registered room guests. Extra persons are $10 per roundtrip. Departure times are 10:15am, 11:15am and 12:15pm. The Hampton Inn currently contracts with Cocoa Beach Express for shuttles to the Port.

Hampton Inn Port Shuttle – click to enlarge

Onsite Parking – Yes

Hotel parking is free for guests during a stay and included during your cruise when booking a Park and Cruise Package.

Restaurants and Bars

No. The usual Hampton Inn hot breakfast is served downstairs. Happy hour (5pm to 7pm) and a more substantial breakfast are available next door at the Marriott Courtyard in the Bistro.

Hampton Inn Breakfast AreaHampton Inn Breakfast Area

Rooms

Note – the room numbering system is funky here! There are basically 2 clusters of rooms – those east (beach-side) of the elevators and those to the west (A1A-side) of the elevators!

The numbering begins in the middle as shown below! Room 810 is way west (left) and 820 is way east (right) closest to the beach.

Hampton Inn – Room Numbers (click to enlarge)

The higher rooms on the 6th, 7th and 8th floors have the best ocean views but it depends on the room location. For example, rooms immediately to the west of the elevators may not have ocean views because of the structure.

If you want to overlook the pool, pick rooms 820 to 811 for example. Or 220 to 211 to stay just above the pool!

Rooms can accommodate either 4 or 6 persons and include a mini fridge and microwave. Options are:

A King Bed with a Sleeping Sofa. Maximum 4 persons.

Two Queen Beds with a Sleeping Sofa. Maximum 6 persons.

Two Queen Beds. Maximum 4 persons.

Hampton Inn – (East rooms overlook the pool) – click to enlarge

Pool Area

The pool is on the south side of the building in order to get maximum sun!

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Explore Port Canaveral, Cocoa Beach and Cocoa Village using the Space Coast Area Transit (SCAT bus)!

The SCAT bus is a comfortable and affordable way to explore the area near Port Canaveral while on a Port visit. You can hop on and off at your leisure – all while enjoying the comfort and safety of the local transportation system. You will find the drivers to be friendly and helpful if you have questions.

Using our interactive map – You can track your location and click on each icon for more information and photos. You can also see the map below on this page.

Introduction

SCAT Bus at Port Canaveral

The SCAT bus system covers a large part of Brevard County but Port Canaveral is on Route 9 – Cape Canaveral/Cocoa Beach. Most visitors do not have to change routes but you can easily do so if you wish to visit areas further away such as Cocoa or Merritt Island.

Our focus is the Cape Canaveral section of Route 9. You can see the route shown in red on the map below. This is the most popular section for cruisers and the bus will take you from Cruise Terminals 1 or 3 all the way to the Cocoa Beach Pier, the Ron Jon shopping area and back. However, we do include a short description of the route to Cocoa Village below.

You can transfer to other buses and travel much further south and west but those options will take time – not ideal for port visits when you have limited time. It is best to get Uber.

How to Ride the SCAT bus

It is very simple.

SCAT Payment (click to enlarge)

Here are a few important things to know:

There is an App for this! You can search for 321 Transit in Google Play or App Store. You will get timetables and maps, however, the system is easy enough to use without the App.

The bus uses designated stops and you can expect a bus every 30 minutes on weekdays. You cannot wave it down like a New York cab! So always be aware of your nearest bus stop.

Each stop has a timetable posted. Most stops are open – no protection from wind or rain.

The bus route is circular – not two-way – meaning the bus travels in one direction only. Anti-Clockwise (driving west from Terminal 1)! Once you depart your stop you have to complete the whole route in order to return.

On average it takes about 15 – 20 minutes from the Port down to Shepard Park which is the southern most point of the Canaveral Loop. And then it takes about the same time to get back to the Port.

Have exact change please! The machine on the bus takes coins and notes and change is not given. Please visit the SCAT websitefor latest fare information. In early 2017 the fare was $1.50 per ride or $0.75 (discounted).

You pay every time you get on unless you have a transfer ticket! Please keep this in mind if you have a really tight budget! Tell the driver that you will transfer to another bus when you get on.

When the bus nears your stop, simply pull the rope above the window to ring a bell for the driver! Please do not distract the driver while driving. It is best to ask for advice as soon as you step on the bus before he/she starts to drive.

SCAT Bus Schedule example (click to enlarge

Is the SCAT bus for you and your family/friends?

In terms of convenience, one cannot beat taxis or Uber/Lyft. These will be waiting at your ship and easy to call from anywhere in the area. On the other hand, the bus is slower and cheaper and you must be willing to walk and wait!

So it depends!

Here are a few things to consider:

If your ship docks at Terminal 1 or Terminal 3 then the SCAT is an option. If you dock at another Terminal then do not bother! Take a taxi or Uber/Lyft.

Do consider the weather. If it is very hot or rainy, then you may want to reconsider using the SCAT because you will be exposed to the elements.

You will have to walk quite a bit but Central Florida is totally flat!

The bus is family friendly and used by vacationers, locals and business travelers! Do not be concerned about safety.

And should you run late and miss the bus you can always get an Uber ride back to the ship from wherever you are!

Actually the bus systems runs until late so there will always be another bus to catch!

SCAT Bus Stop at Terminal 1 (click to enlarge)

Exploring the Cape Canaveral Area by SCAT bus

Here are popular destinations that cruisers can visit by SCAT bus:

Liquor Stores, pharmacies, banks (ATMs) and grocery stores

Unique shops such as Ron Jon and Dinosaur Store

Swimming beaches for tanning, surf lessons and bike rentals

Local breweries and popular beach-side bars/restaurants

Adventures such as zip line fun, mini golf and escape challenges

Cocoa Village (about 40 minutes each way)

In the following sections we will discuss each activity to help you manage your visit and bus rides.

1. Local Beer Brewery

The Florida Beer Company has done a wonderful job with their visitor center and it is a fun place to visit (opens at 1pm until late). Best of all, it is very near the Port! You can actually walk back to Terminal afterwards!

Please know you can get to the Brewery rather fast by bus but to return to the Terminal you have to complete the loop and this may take at least 25 minutes. Or take Uber/Lyft.

Highlights:

A brewery tour on weekends but you must wear closed toe shoes!

A large sports bar area with many craft beers on tap and bottled. You can see the brewery floor behind the glass windows. Snack food is available.

Bus Stop – only about 2 minutes from Terminal 1. Step off at the Burger King as shown on the map. Cross the busy A1A and walk south for a block. Turn left on Imperial Blvd and you will see the building ahead.

SCAT at Burger King for Brewery (click to enlarge)

Florida Beer Company (click to enlarge)Florida Beer Company (click to enlarge)

2. Closest Liquor Store

Cape Canaveral Liquors has a wide selection of spirits and wine. The selection is not as good as Publix or ABC but you will find most of what you need.

Bus Stop – only about 4 minutes from Terminal 1. Step off at the south-bound Patriots Park stop (at a Mobil gas station). Cross the busy A1A and walk east on Church Ln. The liquor store is in a strip mall at N. Atlantic Ave (to your right).

Afterwards, the fastest way back is to walk south for one block to the north-bound bus stop at Jefferson Ave. Once on the bus it is only about 8 minutes back to Terminal 1.

SCAT at Mobil for Liquor Store (click to enlarge)

Cape Canaveral Liquors (click to enlarge)

Northbound SCAT near liquor store (click to enlarge)

3. Mini Golf and Aerial Zip Lines

If you want to see live alligators then plan to visit Golf N Gator mini-golf. They have baby alligators and other reptiles on display! And the mini-golf courses are very good too.

Just a block to the north, you will find Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures – a challenging aerial obstacle course for the Ninja Warriors in your family!

Bus Stop – only about 7 minutes from Terminal 1. Step off at the National Rent-a-Car bus stop. Walk north for a block or so to GolfNGator and Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures.

Afterwards, the fastest way back is to cross A1A to the nearest north bound bus stop (at Lido Cabaret).

SCAT at National for Mini golf and zipline (click to enlarge)

Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures (click to enlarge)

Northbound SCAT at Lido Cabaret (click to enlarge)

4. Publix Grocery, Pharmacy and Liquor – Also Cocoa Beach Escape

The best place to go if you need any of those! Cocoa Beach Escape is a fun escape room activity that the whole family can enjoy.

Bus Stop – only about 8 minutes from Terminal 1. Step off at the Coasters Taphouse bus stop at the strip mall. Walk straight across the parking lot to Publix and the Escape Room.

Afterwards, the fastest way back is to cross A1A to the nearest north bound bus stop (in front of Sunrise Bank).

SCAT at Publix (click to enlarge)

Escape Cocoa Beach (click to enlarge)

SCAT at Sunrise Bank (click to enlarge)

5. The Beach at Cocoa Beach Pier

Our highly recommended stop for visiting cruisers when using the SCAT is the Cocoa Beach Pier!

Bus Stop – only about 10 minutes from Terminal 1. Step off at the bus stop on the corner of Ocean Beach Blvd and Pulsipher Ave (you can see the pier straight ahead). Walk across Ocean Beach Blvd to the famous Pier where you can rent beach equipment, learn to surf, play volleyball, have cocktails while watching the surfers and much more!

Tip – the beach rentals are a bit cheaper on the north side of the pier (in front of La Quinta Hotel).

Afterwards, the fastest way back is to walk west towards Publix on A1A and wait at the Sunrise Bank bus stop.

SCAT at Cocoa Beach Pier (click to enlarge)

Cocoa Beach Pier (click to enlarge)

SCAT at Sunrise Bank (click to enlarge)

6. The Beach at Shepard Park, Ron Jon and Dinosaur Store

This is the beach where ship excursions go so you will find many of your fellow cruisers there! You can have drinks at very popular Sandbar (no ocean views though) or upstairs at Captain J’s (some views).

Bus Stop – near Pizza Hut only about 15 minutes from Terminal 1. Just walk a short distance to the east and you will see Sandbar on your left and the beach in front. There are beach rentals on the beach.

To visit Ron Jon, walk west a short distance towards A1A then turn south and you will see Ron Jon on the next block. It is a great store for souvenirs, clothes and beach-related items.

The Dinosaur Store is a bit further west (you must cross A1A and it is hidden behind CVS). It is a fun store for adults and kids alike!

Afterwards, return to the bus stop where you step off (Pizza Hut) and make sure you get on the bus heading north back to Port Canaveral! There are other buses going south.

SCAT at Shepard Park (click to enlarge)

Shepard Beach on Cruise Day (click to enlarge)

Dinosaur Store

7. Cocoa Village

Shore Excursions arranged by your ship normally include a visit to Cocoa Village. You can do this on your own by SCAT Bus! It will cost only $1.50 pp each way and takes about 50 minutes!

Take the #$9 bus to Shepard Park. Tell the driver you will transfer to Cocoa Village.

At Shepard Park, get your transfer pass as you step off the bus.

Wait for #4 bus to Cocoa. Show your transfer pass to the driver

Exit at the 520/Brevard Ave bus stop (Village Plaza) and walk south along Brevard Ave to the village.

Introduction to Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront, August 2019

Location

The Hilton is an ocean-front hotel about 6.5 miles from the Port. The location is secluded in the sense that it is some distance from restaurants and shops but it is perfectly safe to walk around the area, especially during daylight hours and early evening. The hotel has good restaurants and bars so you may not want to dine elsewhere but Uber or taxis are available if you want to explore.

One of the area’s top restaurants, Florida’s Fresh Grill, is located about 6 blocks to the north as shown on the aerial photo below.

Hilton Location (click to enlarge)

Port Shuttle – Yes

Included in Park, Stay and Go packages for all registered room guests. Departure times are 10:30am and noon. Extra persons are $5 per one-way trip.

The hotel does not offer airport transfers and partner withSmart-two.com instead.

Hilton – Port Shuttle

Onsite Parking – Yes

Hotel parking included in Park, Stay and Go packages for up to 7 nights. Otherwise $9 per night.

Bars and Restaurants

Yes!

Inside you can choose between the Salt Lounge or Salt Restaurant for drinks and/or meals.

Hilton Hotel – Salt Restaurant and Lounge (click to enlarge)

The Longboards Tiki Beach Grill is outside and you can choose to dine or drink under shade or in the warm Florida sun if you are working on your tan!